Shots fired in robbery near UC campus

Cincinnati police said they are investigating after shots were fired during a robbery inside a residence near the University of Cincinnati early Wednesday.

Cash and an iPhone were taken in the 2300 block of Stratford Avenue about 12:15 a.m., said Lt. Tim Brown, the night chief.

A large amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found inside the home, indicating drug sales were occurring, according to police. They are not sure if the suspects also stole marijuana and are still investigating.

The victims - three UC students and two other college students - told police a group of four men they did not know knocked at the door, and they let them in, said Lt. Tim Brown, the night chief.

One of the men who walked in pulled a gun, and the students were robbed of cash and an iPhone, he said.

One of the occupants of the residence took out a handgun and fired twice at one of the suspects, according to police.

"We do not believe he was struck," Brown said.

Three of the suspects ran out of the house while the fourth dove from a closed, second-story window, according to Brown.